Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
The South African Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Aziz Pahad and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Mr Ji Pei ding, met at the State Guest House, Pretoria, on October 21, 1999 for bilateral discussions, held in terms of the agreement on bilateral consultations signed at Cape Town in February 1999.
The wide-ranging discussions were focused on the strengthening of the bilateral relations between South Africa and China, and on substantive consultations for the African Renaissance. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues.
South Africa and China also discussed ways in which bilateral commercial relations can be enhanced to the benefit of both countries, while South Africa sought the support of the Chinese Government in efforts to promote tourism from China to South Africa, and for efforts to regularise China's development assistance to South Africa. The two countries also discussed ways for a joint approach to transnational crime, and co-operation at international forums.
Considering the spectacular rate of economic development and growth in China over the past two decades, Deputy Minister Pahad and Vice Minister Ji discussed the bilateral investment and trade regime and ways in which China and South Africa could exchange experiences in capacity-building.
Deputy Minister Pahad also conveyed to Vice Minister Ji his congratulations on the celebration of the 50th year of the founding of the People's Republic.
ISSUED JOINTLY AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS
BETWEEN DEPUTY MINISTER PAHAD, DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND
VICE MINISTER JI, OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Pretoria
21 OCTOBER 1999